This simple practice can have a huge impact on your life. Researchers at MIT found that regular meditation can help ease stress and even chronic pain, by allowing you to better control what your mind focuses on and mentally "dial down the pain."
Getting started is easy. Just find a quiet spot, sit with your back straight (so you can breathe easily), and try to clear your mind and focus only on your breathing. Start with about 5 minutes a day, and you can increase the time as you go.
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Step No. 2: Exercise 3 Times a Week
Let's face it: For most of us, hitting the gym every day is a lofty goal that almost always fails. We're busy. We're tired. A trip to the gym just feels like too much effort. So just try to squeeze in a workout three times a week. Studies show this can help prevent heart disease and a slew of other ailments. And hey, you might start loving your regular workouts and up the number of times you go, which is great. But even if you only stick with three workouts a week you're still doing a great thing for your body.
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Step No. 3: Weekly Bubble Baths
Think of your weekly bubble baths like souped-up meditation. Everyone deserves a little "me time" to relax, de-stress, and just be alone. So, make the effort to give yourself this much-needed time and spend it in the bath. The warm water is relaxing and can soothe tired muscles, plus you can add ingredients like Epsom salt to help detox your body and ease aches and pain.
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Step No. 4: Monthly Wine and Dark Chocolate Girls' Nights
And always serve wine and dark chocolate. We know what you're thinking: This seems like a silly indulgence. But actually, all three ingredients in this monthly ritual are good for you. Wine and dark chocolate have good-for-you antioxidants, and studies show that maintaining close relationships with friends can prolong your life. There -- scientific evidence that you need to make girls' night a priority.
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Step No. 5: Pay It Forward
While the previous four tweaks are all a little self-centered (and rightfully so -- you deserve the pampering, missy), this last one is all about helping others. Find a cause you love and donate your time, money, whatever you can. Bonus: Volunteering has been found to boost self-confidence and even ease the symptoms of depression. So there's a little something in this one for you, too.
While it's safe to say that giving your diet and workout routine (or lack thereof) a total revamp would undoubtedly lead to a healthier you, it's also safe to assume that a big overhaul is probably unlikely. Who has the time? Or the willpower to completely give up sugar and start jogging six miles a day?
Not us.
Which is why we've turned to a far more realistic option: incorporating these little lifestyle changes into our current could-be-healthier routines. And no, it's not like we're expecting to drop 20 pounds or win a marathon this year. But we are feeling less stressed, more centered, and a whole lot happier.
Intrigued? Keep clicking to see our small changes that are paying off big.
